Slumps and Ghosts

I had all sorts of brilliant ideas to share with you last week. I was going to talk about Trump getting Covid and further government issues, but personal and seasonal issues came into play. I never believed in SAD (seasonal affective disorder) especially as I already have depression, anxiety and other things. However, I always remember the feeling when the days start getting darker. My brain even with my medication always wants to collapse and cry. My depression always kicks into overdrive, my anxiety goes into hypervigilant mode and painful memories come to visit again.

However, certain things have changed since dealing with these seasonal ‘ghosts’ anniversaries, triggers or things that disturb your equilibrium. So…

I actually stopped for a while

Its really hard for me to relax like I used to. Where I literally do nothing as being self employed, you’re always on the lookout for something that will be put to good use. Instead of sitting in front of a laptop, I listened to some music…even had a little dance to get some good energy going. I read some books, caught up on some Netflix and Amazon Prime shows.

I got back on my spiritual path

As I’ve explained before, I’m more into a path that sits alongside mythical, elemental and spiritual. This required me to get back into meditation and performing some rituals around my home. Along with giving my flat a good clean and getting things in order really helps me.

Back to exercise

I have an exercise regimen called DDPY (or DDP Yoga some with know it as) that has really shifted how I think of exercise. Please note, I’m not sponsored in any shape or form…but its one of the few programmes I’ve stuck with. This Monday I got straight back into it, I thought I was going to die but I got through it. As always I felt better afterwards, like I released a lot of tension.

Consumables

This is my weak point. I like fast food way too much after scrapping around for food. So yesterday I got my food shopping, pan fried some loin steaks which I seasoned with chilli powder, cooked a batch of rice to last me the whole week and sautéed some kale and consumed it. I felt full, but I didn’t feel stuffed like an overblown balloon. Doesn’t mean I won’t stop eating pizza, just not every day….more like once a week.

I know this isn’t going to change things overnight and I know there’s a few things to supplement (possibly SAD lamps) but to better deal with slumps and ghosts I got to get sound in body and mind. Especially as Winter is coming fast behind…but that’s for another time.

Until then, #embraceinfinity folks

Aquila Hope is a transformative coach, black trans activist, speaker, podcaster and songwriter. They’re found through Instagram, Twitter, Medium and their own website. Their podcast ‘Grasp At The Root’ can be found on Anchor, Spotify, Google Podcast, Apple Podcasts or wherever podcasts are distributed. Aquila lives on the outskirts of Birmingham, enjoys self improvement, creating music, good coffee and pizza.